This winter, Aisha Kokan ’26 was awarded a Mittal Institute student grant to complete research in Chennai, India. Her project, Body Image & Eating Disorders: Enduring Legacies of Historical Trauma on Women in Tamil Nadu, India, explored mental health issues in India. What follows is her account, in her own words.
Aisha Kokan ’26 outside the University of Madras in India, where she completed mental health research through an LMSAI student grant.
By Aishan Kokan
This winter, I traveled to Chennai, India to analyze the complex landscape of mental health issues experienced by the local population and the services and treatments available. My initial goal was to solely investigate the prevalence of eating disorders and body dysmorphia in connection to possible epigenetic changes of the South Asian body, hypothesized to be linked to colonial rule in India. However, as I delved deeper into the project and established connections with key experts in this conversation, I expanded the scope of my research to understand how the larger context of mental health in Chennai is tied to the impact and origins of eating and body image disorders amongst the population.
Through interviews with psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and policy leaders, my research focused on collecting information related to the impact cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors have on the most common mental health disorders, treatment methods, and barriers to care. By conducting interviews in both urban and rural areas, I was able to compare to what extent these categories differed between the two areas. I then examined how these findings were connected to the ongoing discourse on eating and body image disorders within the population of Chennai.
My findings centered around the large impact of evolving family dynamics, digital media, and food availability. Furthermore, my evaluation of existing treatments and services underscored that while the government is taking steps to address mental health disorders, the sheer magnitude of the issue necessitates additional efforts in terms of implementation and scale to address deficiencies across all socioeconomic demographics. While attention on mental health is growing in Chennai and broader Tamil Nadu, especially relative to other states in India, my findings support the need for expanding the healthcare system’s capacity to address mental health needs and a larger societal push to increase awareness and education on mental health and mental health disorders. Ultimately, this research served to increase specialized understandings of Chennai’s population and health needs, and serves as context for future research endeavors.
A Comprehensive Research Study
The most impactful aspect of this experience was the opportunity to conduct research that examined and interrogated health through a multifaceted lens, encompassing historical, cultural, religious, and political perspectives. It was fascinating to witness how all of these aspects come together to inform the health needs and treatment systems in ways that cannot be fully understood without considering each contributing factor. Through this experience, I solidified my understanding that effectively providing for a population, especially concerning their health, necessitates a deep understanding of their existence—their beliefs, daily practices, faith, and traditions. These elements not only inform the development and manifestation of pathology but also influence the creation and sustainability of systems of care and who these systems are catered towards.
While I have previously worked on health policy initiatives such as analyzing obesity policy in the United States and the use of hallucinogens in mental health treatments for the Massachusetts senator’s office, this experience stood out for its most comprehensive approach. The depth of the study, and the ability to visit first hand, allowed me to gain a profound understanding of the population I was examining, emphasizing the importance of considering a multitude of factors in crafting effective healthcare solutions.
Aisha Kokan ’26 outside the University of Madras. Built by a British architect in the late 1800s, its design is a well known example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
A Day in the Life of a Student Researcher
My daily life during the research trip encompassed visiting academic institutions and healthcare facilities to conduct interviews. I had the privilege of engaging with a diverse array of experts, ranging from clinical practitioners to academic researchers and government officials. Some of the locations I visited were The University of Madras, one of the oldest and most prominent universities in India; Sri Ramachandra Hospital, one of Chennai’s top multispecialty hospitals; and the Adyar Cancer Institute, one of the few places with a Psycho Oncology department, offering psycho-social care to cancer patients.
I interviewed experts such as Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, the founder of SNEHA, a leading NGO for mental health across India, who also has a local practice in Chennai and Dr. Swaminathan, Professor of Psychology at the University of Madras. In addition to conducting research, I was also able to experience the beautiful city of Chennai! I explored popular locations such as Marina beach, the longest beach in India; went on a boat ride on the Muttukadu Lake; and visited the historic Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. I also had a chance to enjoy authentic South Indian food along with the company of some family members who currently live in Chennai.
Clockwise from left: Inside the University of Madras Building, one of oldest and most prominent universities in India; Aisha with Dr. Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Head of Department of Psychiatry, Voluntary Health Services in Adyar, Chennai, and founder of SNEHA, a leading NGO for mental health in India; Aisha and Dr. S Karunanidhi, Professor of Psychology at University of Madras.
My research trip to India will deeply inform my academic and career trajectory by offering valuable perspectives on mental health services and healthcare policy. Through this experience, I gained firsthand insights into the challenges faced by diverse communities and the critical role of government in addressing mental health disparities. This understanding aligns with my academic pursuit of government and medicine at Harvard. By bridging the gap between research and policy, this experience reinforced my commitment to comprehending population health through its historical contexts and advocating for evidence-based policies. Furthermore, this work will shape my senior thesis research approach and influence my postgraduate paths, whether pursuing an MD/PhD, MD/MBA, or another route. Moving forward, I plan to continue this research, consolidating my findings on mental health complexities in the South Asian context. The relationships built during the trip have enhanced my research quality and have opened doors for future collaborations, while immersing myself in Chennai’s vibrant culture has enriched my academic goals and personal growth.
☆ The views represented herein are those of the interview subjects and do not necessarily reflect the views of LMSAI, its staff, or its steering committee.